Something really exciting is happening this Saturday! The Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA will be installing our new bishop Rev. Stacie Fidlar! As you may remember, Bishop-Elect Stacie was elected at our synod assembly this past June. She began her work on September 1st. Because it takes time and many people to gather for this special occasion, the date for this installation was chosen months ago.

People from all around the world, country, and state will be gathering in Rockford for the celebration! There will be honored guests from both India and Tanzania who are from companion synods/churches with the NIS. Bishops will gather from all around the region as well as from other denominations. All the rostered leaders from the synod are invited to attend and be part of the procession at the beginning of the service. As Synod Secretary I have the honor of presenting Bishop-Elect Stacie to the Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for installation during the rite.

This is from the NIS webpage:

As bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod, Bishop Fidlar serves as the Synod’s pastor of Word and Sacrament. She is the Synod’s President and Chief Executive and Administrative Officer, spiritual leader, preacher, and teacher. Bishop Fidlar is honored to serve as one of the Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Board of Directors including serving as a member of its Executive Committee and to also serve on the Board of Trustees of Augustana College, which includes serving on the Campus Planning Committee and the Advancement Committee.

Bishop Fidlar earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion with Asian Studies concentration from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 1991 and her Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1995. She completed the Shalem Institute Group Leaders Program in 2002 and participates in ongoing continuing education with foci on leadership, spirituality, and foundation management. Bishop Fidlar has served as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Island, IL since 1999. She served as pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Seneca, IL from 1995-1999 and as interim pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Forreston, IL in 1995.

Please be in prayer for Bishop Stacie and her staff as she embarks on this new journey!

See you Sunday!